University of Southern California Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG)

University Of Southern California, Los Angeles CA

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY – Overall Component The USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Southern California (NCCC) has been continuously funded as an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center since 1973. NCCC has a rich tradition of collaborative research and serves as a major regional and international resource for cancer research, education, community outreach and engagement, and patient-centered oncology care. Our vision is to reduce the burden of cancer for all people. A central priority for NCCC is to serve the unique cancer-related needs of our multicultural catchment area, Los Angeles County (LAC). To achieve this goal, our 187 full members form collaborative teams and are organized into five impactful Research Programs served by six valuable Shared Resources (SRs). NCCC’s Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination (CRTEC) programs are part of the fabric of these efforts, creating a diverse pipeline for the next generation of exceptional cancer scientists and clinicians. The NCCC Office of Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) is the primary vehicle by which we understand, engage, and serve the needs of the underserved communities in our catchment area. Our geographic location in the 4th most diverse city in the nation affords opportunities for NCCC to lead in research that addresses cancer burdens and disparities among diverse communities and special populations. Indeed, NCCC is distinguished by exceptional success in recruiting diverse populations to clinical trials, with minorities accounting for more than 61% of interventional therapeutic accruals. This application requests: 1) support for five interactive Research Programs; 2) partial support for six SRs and one Developing Preclinical SR that provide technologies, services, and scientific consultation that will enhance member interaction and productivity; 3) support for Leadership, Planning, and Evaluation; 4) support for Developmental Funds to foster pursuit of new priorities, strengthen science, and explore new collaborations and technologies, all aligned with the new NCCC Strategic Plan; 5) support for Cancer Center Administration; and 6) support centralized scientific oversight of cancer clinical trials. Members currently hold grants totaling $101.3M (direct costs) with $37.7M from NCI and have authored landmark publications representing high intra-programmatic (26%), inter-programmatic (25%) and multi-institutional (45%) cancer research. Continued funding from the Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG) will allow us to build on our strengths in basic, population, and clinical sciences, and to facilitate discovery and its translation into direct benefit to patients and diverse communities.